Riding Her Rancher Boss Page 5

  She entered the stall, breathing in the scent of hay and horse. Cassie glanced at Jared. He stepped in close behind her, the heat of his body brushing against hers. She only needed to tip her head to look at him. Again, she was drawn into his eyes, the dim light in the room darkening his tan. Wisps of brown hair fell against his face, barely visible beneath his Stetson. He watched her intently. She looked away, knowing he had to be observing her and not thinking about the myriad of dirty fantasies she had of how it’d feel to have his lips on hers, his tongue delving inside her.

  He stepped forward and opened his arms in invitation. “I’ll help you up. It’s best to mount from the left side.”

  She guided a foot to the stirrup and grabbed part of the saddle, intent on hoisting herself up and over as she remembered. Only it wasn’t as easy as she’d thought. She groaned, struggling to get her other leg over, her arms burning from the sudden weight. Jared’s hand fell against her back, holding her steady. His touch stole her breath and she almost lost her grip before managing to sit securely.

  The stalls seemed to sway around her. She closed her eyes, her attention on her slow breaths. Riding was paramount to enduring the job; a necessary evil. Caramel wouldn’t bolt. They were in the stables, a safe, familiar area for him.

  Finally, she opened them. The heat of Jared’s hand left her and he grasped the reins. They were tied off to the side, easily usable with one hand.

  “He’s used to neck reining, part of Western style riding. He responds to the reins against his neck, you pull them to the left, you turn left. We’ll start slow. A trot. To get him moving, gently squeeze your legs.”

  Cassie applied pressure and Caramel moved forward at a temperate pace.

  “First hurdle over. He hasn’t thrown me off,” she joked.

  Jared guided Caramel out of the stall and her body jolted against the saddle as they started moving faster. Beneath the sun, she was grateful for the hat shielding her eyes and she clung to the saddle, trying to adjust to the sensation.

  He led them into an empty enclosed area with no risk of Caramel bolting and going far. Cassie observed the ground ahead of them, focusing on anything but the jarring motion. “How’d you get started with riding?”

  He hesitated but as if realizing that she needed conversation to maintain composure, he spoke. “It took a week after my father’s accident before I tried anything. Was easy to get back into it. I’ve grown up here, never loved the ranch life, but I remembered how to ride. It’s not something to forget.”

  A sentiment she was beginning to feel herself. “A cowboy who doesn’t love the ranch?” she teased.

  “Not when I had other options in mind.”

  The animosity in his voice made her flinch. Obviously, returning to the ranch hadn’t been his true intention. His loyalty for his father was impressive for him to overcome his resentment but judging from his tortured gaze, he still hadn’t embraced it.

  “I hit the ground a few times, part of riding,” he added. “Never really got attached to any horse until Honor but after saving Caramel, I got back into it, no reservations. Okay, we’ve done a full circle now. Squeeze your legs.”

  Choosing to trust him, she did so, and Caramel suddenly picked up the pace, hooves clapping against the grass. Cassie cried out, clinging to the saddle as if her life depended on it. Adjusting to the rhythmic speed, she shot a look at Jared, still by their side. He was grinning. Damn him.

  “You’re liking this far too much.”

  He laughed. “I didn’t say I’d make it easy for you.”

  She froze. Now she understood his reserved glances and the conspicuous tension in his body. He was reluctant to have her around and this was his attempt at getting her to concede and accept charges. An abrupt change of heart from a few days ago. Well, she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction.

  “Good. I like a challenge,” she retorted.

  He offered a smile, benevolence showing in his eyes. And something indefinable. “Now you’re at a lope. To slow down, just pull on the reins.”

  She did and Caramel retreated back to a trot. “A little warning would’ve been nice. Is this the kind of technique you use to teach riding?”

  “You’re my first student.”

  “Obviously. And hopefully your last,” she teased.

  He grinned. “Riding lessons aren’t my forte. There are…other things I’d prefer to teach.”

  The flicker of his sensual smile made her heart flutter. The fine dimples etched on his burnished skin were a sign he used to smile often, but the thought of his lack of contentment due to her lent an unexpected stab to the chest. It reminded her of the insecurity and unpredictability she’d felt with the last man she’d dated.

  “Don’t tense up,” he added. “Keep your back straight.”

  She followed the curve of the fence line, the harsh glow from the sun caressing her skin. Going at this pace was relaxing, and it granted a stunning view which brought out a sense of sentimentalism.

  “I can’t believe I let one bad impression from the past affect my perception of riding.”

  Something flickered across his face. “You glad I gave you this opportunity?”

  She looked at Jared. His actions had pushed her to overcome her insecurity by forcing her out of her comfort zone. He’d changed her life in a small way but an unforgettable one and even if he wanted her gone, she couldn’t deny her appreciation.

  “I am, thank you. Aside from your teaching methods.”

  His eyes crinkled as he grinned. “You’re an interesting woman, Cassie.”

  She grasped the reins and her hand brushed against his. The heated sensation from his touch sent flutters through her. Thinking of his benign attempt at a compliment, she pulled away from him.

  “Care to elaborate?”

  “For a start, no one’s tried trespassing to take a photo.”

  The humiliation of their awkward encounter made her cringe. “I’ll never live this down.”

  “I won’t tell any of the others. All they know is they’ll have a cowgirl to show off to.”

  Surprise overcame her at his consideration. “I appreciate it.”

  If they learned of her earlier behavior, she doubted they’d want her working alongside them. Yet on contemplation, it was possible Jared was doing it to protect his decision to hire her and how it would affect their impression of him. Either way, it was one less thing to worry about.

  “You’re handling him great. Looks like you’ll have enough time to get photos done, too.”

  Jared helped her pull on the reins to turn him. Cassie’s breathing came evenly and riding no longer summoned the paralyzing state of fear, whether it was a temporary respite or because of Jared’s presence. Despite his arrogance, he kept her at ease.

  Recalling his comment about photos, she asked, “We’re on a schedule?”

  “Work needs to be done.”

  He’d snapped right back to being serious. “I want to try galloping,” she decided, drawing in a breath of cool mountain air.

  “Not yet. You need me to lead you around some more.”

  As much as she preferred waiting, she needed to push forward and show she could tolerate a week of riding. Why fight something she had no choice but to endure?

  She squeezed once, the horse moving at the jolting pace she recognized as trotting. Once more and Caramel jerked forward, breaking into a gallop, the vibrations shaking her horribly. She lowered, reflexively leaning into him and flinched against the roughness between her thighs, knowing it would hurt there by the end of the week.

  The world shook around her and she clung to the reins until her knuckles went white. They were almost at the end of the fence line, moving at a quick pace. Could she turn at this speed? She had to try. She’d made it this far already.

  Cassie pulled and Caramel responded instantly, turning sharply while sending clumps of grass and dirt into the air. The movement almost made her lose her hat. She flinched but as they drew closer to the nex
t corner, she hesitated.

  The tension in her body receded.

  She surrendered to the moment, letting the reins relax in her hold. She was in control and as she neared Jared, she gently pulled back and parted her legs, ensuring no weight was pressed against the horse at the same time. Caramel snorted and slowed to a stop.

  Cassie let out a breath, her heart racing, giddy from her accomplishment. She started to dismount, adrenaline coursing through her. Jared came to her side and as his hand fell against her back, the heat of his touch threatened to distract her. She hit the ground and her foot caught in the stirrup.

  “Damn it.”

  Jared laughed, the sound low and decadent. “Don’t panic. You surprised the heck out of me, but you did good.”

  He leaned over and guided her foot free, his rough hands grazing against her pants. Now standing firmly on the ground, she stepped back, lightheaded from the rush. Jared was there, holding her still.

  She slanted her head to look up at him, trying to catch her breath. “Consider it payback for scaring me earlier.”

  He looked abashed before his features smoothened. “Everything about this situation is going to take some getting used to. I was being inconsiderate.”

  So he had a heart. It couldn’t change anything. “Thanks for helping me.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. Still got work to do.”

  “Hmm. You need to unwind.”

  He flashed a wide smile. “Yeah, well, if I decide you need another lesson, let me lead you.”

  She straightened, bringing herself even closer to his parted lips. “Oh, I handled it no problem.”

  “I know. But you didn’t follow my orders.”

  “Not used to someone disobeying you?”

  “I’m not used to you.”

  His face softened, his eyes searching hers. Pools of sharp ice that melted the moment he started to relax. His lips came closer, so tantalizingly, breathlessly close. Her breathing slowed. His chest was still hard up against her side, his hand gliding down her back. Moving lower, tempting her to all kinds of possibilities...

  She couldn’t conceal what she craved. Jared, her fantasy about to become reality. Inches away from a kiss.

  A gust of wind tore through and the brim of her hat collided with his Stetson. The unexpected collision snapped him free and he released his hold on her. Cassie adjusted her hat, not daring to look at him. Heat flushed her face, burning desire making her body ache to be in his arms again. For his kiss to finally claim her.

  “That concludes your lessons.”

  His voice gave no hint of what she’d been certain he’d felt. They’d almost kissed. Well, if it weren’t for the clash of the hats, she would’ve finally eased her yearning. She wanted Jared despite her irritation toward him for forcing her into her current circumstances. Against all rationality.

  Cassie glanced at him, but he didn’t meet her gaze. Caramel whinnied and she rested a hand on his side, relenting to the fact that it was best to ignore the intensity with Jared. He seemed to have taken that option.

  “I’ve got the standard contract here for you to sign,” he said. “You have to accept the terms, no negotiation. No hidden clauses. You’re welcome to check it over.”

  She wanted to say no for the sake of her resolve but aware of what would occur if she refused, she conceded. Jared withdrew the papers and a pen from his jeans pocket, and after being redirected to the hay strewn bench and giving it a quick read through, Cassie signed on the dotted line.

  “Remember, the day starts at seven,” he said. “And don’t try disobeying my orders again.”

  She didn’t plan to. He was all seriousness with no lighthearted gleam to his eyes, a reminder that they had to keep it professional in all aspects. Silence stretched between them. She wanted to mention how they’d nearly kissed, but the troubled look in his eyes warned her off. Maybe it was for the best. He was a hardened, lone cowboy unwilling to let anyone in, and yet she still wanted him. It was driving her crazy to be close and not give in. For years she’d repressed herself and Jared’s encouragement had let her loose. He’d freed her from her only trepidation, and now she wanted to return that.

  Jared led Caramel back to the stall and she watched him undo a part she remembered as the bridle. Jared didn’t unsaddle him completely, but closed the stall door and faced Cassie.

  “Be here early.”

  She pressed her lips together, aware that he’d closed off from her. Was that what he did to most women? Or just her? After all, she’d trespassed on his land. To have Jared thinking badly of her only motivated her to prove him otherwise. That’s why she’d insisted on riding without him, taking off before he could argue.

  “I’ll do the job,” she affirmed before turning and walking away.

  He closed the stall door harder than intended. Caramel shook his head, but luckily he wasn’t startled. Jared cursed himself for acting on his frustration. He knew he’d crossed the line with Cassie by making his attraction so unashamedly obvious.

  Hell, it’d been tempting to just kiss her full lips as she pressed up against him, those gentle blue eyes on his. Something about her just set off all kinds of emotions. She was obdurate, insisting on riding without his guidance. Maybe she’d done it to demonstrate she could hack it, to push past her limitations in a futile attempt of conviction.

  An all too familiar feeling. He had to ensure she wouldn’t get overly confident as he’d once done and his remark of not making it easy for her had been an attempt to portray that. Watching her with Caramel reminded him of his own arrogance when he’d learned to ride again, desperate to attest he could deal with the ranch for his father, not wanting to let him down.

  That still weighed on his mind. He had a job to do, as always, and he didn’t need a woman getting in his way, distracting him with her slim, sexy body and full breasts that he wanted to cup in his hands and run a thumb over her hardened nipples. How would she react with the wet heat of his tongue on her skin?

  Hell, he needed to get laid. Preferably with anyone but her.

  He shook his head and left the stables. Cassie had departed, leaving him to ponder what had passed between them. He couldn’t take out his sexual frustration on her. That was the last thing both of them needed. Showing her the basics had replayed his own mistakes, his misplaced dislike for the horses, all of which made him who he was now and it was therapeutic as much as it was selfish. He had to accept what had happened, to release his past reservations. He was helping himself as well as her.

  At least, that’s how he wanted to rationalize it.

  Jared gathered a bunch of hay and checked the troughs, refilling Ember’s before he finally stood back and wiped his brow. The day had only just started. And despite himself, he looked forward to seeing Cassie again. He couldn’t deny that he wanted her. He just had to keep that need tied down to focus on work.

  After all, he’d delegated himself as her boss.

  Chapter Four

  “Spending a day with your cowboy?”

  Cassie sighed at Olivia’s repartee. Confiding about her attraction to Jared was an attempt to allocate it as a mistake. How would it feel to meet his lips, letting him take her? Jared was imposing and sexy and she was helplessly drawn to him. But it would stay professional, especially since they wouldn’t be alone.

  She rubbed at her thighs, tender from yesterday’s riding. “I’ll be spending the day recovering.”

  “I knew you’d get over that fear if you faced it,” Olivia enthused. She stood in the doorway to Cassie’s bedroom with that familiar upbeat smile. “If you’re meeting any single cowboys today, let me know. Oh, and good luck. I think you’ll need it.”

  “I’m sure I will,” she agreed. If riding for twenty minutes had made her this sore, she could only imagine how bad it would be after a day’s work. But both she and Jared knew there was no option of backing out. She was signed over to him.

  She tied up her hair, fastening it securely beneath her hat, remembering
Jared’s hungry gaze perusing her. She recognized that attraction and his attempt to resist by pushing her away and she felt apprehensive about facing him again.

  She left her bedroom to see Olivia had moved to the living room, now sprawled out on the couch. Their substandard apartment was succumbing to aging. Luckily, Olivia had fully supported her endeavor to pursue photography, in awe that she’d found her passion. Olivia lamented on her own lack of it. She’d been willing to compromise over rental costs until Cassie secured an income within a timeframe of two years, especially after the tragedy that struck Cassie’s mom’s store. Olivia’s support was invaluable.

  “You look great, cowgirl!”

  “When I return all bruised and sore, you’ll think differently.”

  Olivia laughed. “Most people pay for this experience. And it’ll be impressive for your portfolio.”

  Cassie nodded, knowing she had to stay in perspective. “I hope so. Mountainbrook’s given me a stroke of luck. Maybe I should take daring risks more often.”

  “This is daring enough for you. But one week will go by fast, and you’ll gain what you need. Perfect trade off.”

  That’s all it had to be, Cassie reminded herself. A chance to develop her career, avoid charges and not get closer to Jared. Why the need to contemplate it? She headed for the door, heat burning her face. The truth was that this was both a career opportunity and a chance to know the reclusive rancher. Something about the way he buried himself within his work reminded her of how she’d lost herself in photography after her heart was broken.

  “Don’t flirt with him,” Olivia advised. She held a bottle of black nail polish in her hand. “I know how you are with men.”

  “Friendly?”

  She laughed and started painting her nails. “A tease. Remember how it went with Brent? After you rejected him, he told everyone you had sex.”

  And he’d done that after weeks of supposed flirting, she remembered to her chagrin. Sometimes men mistook her friendliness for serious interest. Or perhaps she really did need to rethink how she acted. She’d already embarrassed herself with Jared by proposing a date, which he rightly ignored but at least they’d glossed over it and she could focus on the job. Soon she’d be in Spokane with her sister, armed with a winning portfolio.